THE APPLICATION OF SOME WEB 2.0 TOOLS IN THE TEACHING OF WRITING SKILL
Federal University of Agriculture, Institute of Communication and General Studies (NIGERIA)
About this paper:
Conference name: 4th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 2-4 July, 2012
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Abstract:
The advent of computer systems has made substantial contribution to the development of our society. Computers today are now being employed in almost all the sectors of human endeavour including teaching. Web 2.0 refers to free or low-cost interactive web-based services that help people share information and collaborate online more easily than with earlier tools. The paper attempted to find out the application of some of the tools in teaching and learning of writing skill. Socio-communication tools such as Google Scholar ,Google Translate, Google Docs were used for teaching writing skill. Ninety students in 200 level participated . Writing skill assessment, oral presentation of write-up and structured interview were the instruments for data collection. The data were analysed using simple percentage. The results show that the students exposed to Google Scholar, Google Translate, Google Docs found it easier to write their essays because of easier opportunity for collaboration among group members, had richer and more qualitative writing, and had better presentations than their counterpart. It is suggested that language and content teachers should use these socio- communication tools to facilitate and enhance teaching and learning process. Keywords:
Web 2.0, language teaching, language learning, writing skill.